A Wedding Budget

...can really save you stress and grief later on.

How can a wedding budget save you unnecessary grief and stress? Think of it this way, would you rather start your marriage in debt so high that you won't be able to simply go to dinner or take that trip you hoped for?

wedding budget stress Money troubles and stress are not great ways to start a marriage. It's very easy to be swept up in the excitement and fun of planning your wedding, and it's also just as easy to overspend on your wedding,too.

Yet, if you can set a realistic wedding budget checklist, early in your wedding planning, and stick to that budget you'll have the satisfaction that you're starting your marriage on good financial ground.

So, how do you allocate how much to pay for your wedding budget and be sure you're not getting ripped off?

Here is a basic breakdown of your overall estimated costs:

These figures will vary depending on what is most important to you, what you can cut back on, and what the going rate is for these services in your area and season.

Ceremony: 2-4%
Reception: 47-50%
cost of food & beverage is usually between 30-35%, which is usually included in the cost of the reception venue, if the reception location is taking care of the food as well. But be sure to figure separately if you're choosing your own caterer in addition of the venue.
Wedding dress and attire: 10%
Beauty:2%
Flowers: 6-10%
Photographer/Videography: 9%
Entertainment/Music: 8-10% (can be much more, depending on what you want)
Invitations: 2%
Wedding Rings:3-5%
Transportation: 2%
Gifts: 2-3%
Just in case expenses: 9%

If your honeymoon expenses will be yours, don’t forget to also budget for that too.

A good way to keep organized is a wedding checklist where you list the items you'll need to purchase in detail. We have a copy of one for you here.

Again, there are benefits to a beach wedding when it comes it will keep you on your wedding budget if you don't decide to purchase more than is on your checklist.

You can save more by finding a casual wedding dress or spending less on flowers and decorations since your beach location beautiful on its own.

wedding-costs For more information on how and where to cut wedding costs and creative ways to save for what's important to you, then follow this wedding costs link to learn how.

To sum it up, set the wedding budget BEFORE you talk to any vendors, reception halls etc… that way you can stick to your budget without the emotional attachment you’ll feel once you start shopping around.

The stress level of starting a marriage in debt is not worth having, just so your wedding dress is from a popular designer, or the meal is prime rib and lobster.

It will lead to regrets later on as you realize the amount of money that was spent on something that could have been used for a better honeymoon, or furnishing your new place.

Happy Planning!

What's Next?

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Customer survival tips - what's to expected of your wedding receptions halls or wedding reception places. Read your contract in details. and how to get the best of it.